This project will cover the history of the metric
system, symbols, prefixes, and unit conversions. Comparisons can be
made by using the history of the U.S. System and the Metric System.
Common measurements and units used in Physics are also found in this
project. A better understanding of how America can amend the metric
system is also covered in this project.

Task

Be able to identify units, prefixes, and types
of metric systems.

Answer questions in your groups from the
perspective of your role.

Present a plan for converting the U.S. to the
metric system from your roles point of view.

Write a letter to a political representative,
business leader locally or nationally, and present you plan for
converting the U.S. to the metric System.

The Process:

Part of your job in this WebQuest is to take on a
role of a presenter and propose a sure fire method to converting the
United States to the Metric System as opposed to the current U.S.
System. You will be working together with a group of students in
class. Each group will answer questions that will help them establish
a viewpoint based on their group's role. You will also present a plan
for the system conversion. As a member of the group you will explore
web pages that explain the various issues about the United States
converting to the metric system. These sites will provide information
that will help you support your role. The third assignment will be to
write a letter explaining your perspective and how your plan can be
used to make the conversion for the U.S. to the metric system
possible.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting
some background information on the history of the metric system, the
units, prefixes, and how the metric system would effect your assigned
role. You will become knowledgeable on the aspects that pertain to
your role in the debate by reading and exploring links to web pages.
Then you can present your case to the rest of the class on the
debate.

Phase 1 - Background: For
everyone

Use the resources that you have access to so that
you can explore the history,types of metric systems used,and facts
associated with the resistance of converting to the Metric
System.

1. The WebQuest groups will take on one of the
following roles: Commercial Users, General Users, and Scientific
Users.

2. Read through each of the files linked to your
role. If you print out the files, highlight,the passages that you
feel related to your role. If you look at the files on the computer,
copy sections you feel are important to your role.

3. Be able to make a generalization of all the
information pertinent to your role. Use this information to
strengthen your views to present a perspective bases on the
information you have gained.

Roles:

Commercial Users: This would include those
who manufacture products that are sold in the U.S. as well as
overseas. It could be private companies or government agencies. Some
examples would be farmers, manufactures, or producers.

Use the Internet information linked below to
answer these questions specifically related to Commercial
Users:

1. Why is it necessary for the USA to change to
the metric system?

2. Why can't companies make standard measured
products to sell within the USA and make metric measured products to
sell outside the united states?

3. Why don't we accept the Metric System as it in
now used in other countries?

4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
converting to the Metric System.

5. What would be a plan for converting all of the
United States to metric as opposed to standard?

General Users: This role would include
those who would use the metric system in everyday activities.
Examples are sports events, household users, mechanic, woodworkers,
builders, students, or teachers.

1. What are the benefits of converting every
measurement to metric instead of a combination of standard and
metric?

2. What are some examples of items that are
measured in a standard measurement and some items that are measured
in a metric measurement, and some items that are measured in
both?

3. Why is the government making the metric
transition?

4. How can I remember the metric units.

5. What would be a plan for converting all of the
United States to metric as opposed to standard?

Each WebQuest team has learned about a
different role in the metric conversion issue, and has gained
information to form their own perspective. Now you will apply your
knowledge to create a presentation that will explain your conclusion
based on your role's view. Using various forms of technology to
present your plan for converting all of the United States to The
Metric System. You will need to convince others that this is a
necessary improvement from your role's point of view. This plan needs
to be complete so that it may be used to build upon a future
assignment.

Phase 4 -Real World Feedback

You and your classmates have learned a lot by
dividing up into different roles. Now you will write a letter and
sent it for real world feedback. Each of you will write a letter that
contains opinions, information, and perspectives that you gained.
Here's the process:

1. Begin your letter with a statement of who you
are and why you are writing your message to your Congressman,
Professional Organization, or local government.

2. Give background information that shows you
understand the topic of metric conversation. Include some
sources.

State The Task/ Questions And Your
Conclusion.

3. In your letter, try to include several factors
that will support your opinion and plan. Encourage this person or
organization to use your plan for support of the
conversion.

4. Have your letter proofed and graded Be sure to
save a copy of your final letter before sending it out.

Use the following link to look at an example of a
letter to a representative:

Now that you have developed a plan from the
information in this WebQuest, continue to share your plan for a total
conversion of the U.S. to the Metric System. By your continued
support of this conversion you can help move the U.S. to a modern and
systematic method of measurement for the 21st Century.